The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs together with the rest of the world observes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and intensifies public health education to improve awareness among women of the importance of screening, the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to understand the importance of early detection and treatment. We anticipate that with accurate information, more women would lead healthier lifestyles to prevent breast cancer, ensure regular screening and consult medical practitioners when breast cancer is first suspected, and before the cancer is advanced. Early diagnosis is important as it is linked to effective and timely cancer treatment that requires specialized cancer care.

Globally, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670, 000 deaths in 2022, making it the most prevalent cancer in the world.

Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 157 countries out of 185 in 2022. Approximately 0.5-1% of breast cancers occur in men. Over the past five years, breast cancer has consistently ranked as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2023, it emerged as the primary cause of potential years of life lost among women aged 25 to 44, accounting for a total of 543 years lost. Notably, breast cancer represented 8% of all female cancer deaths in 2022, rising sharply to 18% in 2023. According to the National Epidemiology Unit within the Ministry of Health, in 2025, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma continues to be the number one cause of death in women and the main cause of premature death in women. Most of these diagnoses are made in women from the age group 45-55 years.

The risk of breast cancer is increased due to ageing of individuals, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Approximately half of breast cancers develop in women who have no identifiable breast cancer risk factor other than gender (female) and age (over 40 years).

The symptoms of breast cancer can include:

• a breast lump or thickening, often without pain
• change in size, shape or appearance of the breast

• dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin
• change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
• abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.

The treatment for breast cancer depends on the subtype of cancer and how much it has spread outside of the breast to lymph nodes (stages II or III) or to other parts of the body (stage IV).

The treatment includes surgery to remove the breast tumour, radiation therapy to reduce recurrence risk in the breast and surrounding tissues, medication to kill cancer cells and prevent spread, including hormonal therapies, chemotherapy or targeted biological therapies.

Healthy lifestyles, regular screening and early detection are key in improving the outcome of breast cancer diagnosis in country.

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, the Ministry of Health has decided to place special focus on the most prevalent type of breast cancer in country and ensure that women, men who are at risk, adolescent girls and their families are empowered to perform regular breast screening and to access the health services within their communities. This can provide accurate diagnosis, in a timely fashion, and to take advantage of those services. The Education and Communications Unit will strengthen the special focus on young ladies from their adolescent years into their productive years, aged 15-50 and will take the opportunity to engage them at schools, workplaces, communities and wellness centres.

Two of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer is being a woman or growing older, with other risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol and not exercising regularly, which can be modified. Therefore, this years’ campaign seeks to encourage physical activity, healthy lifestyle practices and screening within schools, workplaces and communities through the initiative “St. Lucia Moves.” Educational sessions at all wellness centres will be held under the sub theme for this activity “Embrace Your Whole Self”: Check Your Lemons”

The data shows that women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at progressive stages. In order to encourage breast cancer screening, mammography services can be accessed through any of the Primary Healthcare facilities, that is Community Wellness Centres, Polyclinics and District Hospitals. Individuals will then be guided to the St. Jude Hospital and the Millennium Heights Medical Complex to get the mammogram done at NO COST. Also, mammogram vouchers funded by the Ministry of Health will continue to be provided at outreach activities undertaken in workplaces and communities.

This October, we invite you to join the Ministry of Health in reducing the impact of breast cancer by doing the following:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, reduce stress, reduce alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
• Visit your nearest Wellness Centre to access screening.
• Learn to perform a monthly breast self-exam. Our team at the nearest wellness centre or your physician can provide guidance.
• Visit your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
• Encourage the women in your household, work place, place of worship and friends to get screened.